Man accused of shoplifting dies at Calif. Walmart after being detained by store employees

COVINA, Calif. — Police say a suspected shoplifter died at a Southern California Walmart store after a fight with store security workers who caught him in the parking lot.

Covina police Lt. Holly Francisco says when police arrived Friday they found the suspect restrained by store security and appearing to need medical help. Officers called paramedics and the man was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Francisco says the suspect had been accused of stealing clothing and body wash.

Wal-Mart Stores spokeswoman Dianna Gee says the security personnel have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation that will include surveillance video and an autopsy to determine the cause of death. It is not clear why security did not call paramedics.